Agriculture — III: Cash Crops (1)

In a sugarcane, the sugar is stored in its ............... .

1. roots
2. stem
3. leaves
4. fruit

Answer

stem

............... are cuttings taken from old plants and planted to grow new canes.

1. Setts
2. Retts
3. Ratoons
4. Batoons

Answer

Setts

What is the successive crop obtained from the roots of the leftover sugarcane crop called?

1. Ratoon
2. Stalk
3. Stem
4. Cane

Answer

Ratoon

Assertion (A): Sugarcane grows well in tropical regions with rainfall well distributed throughout the year.

Reason (R): The sucrose content decreases if heavy rains continue for long and a rainfall deficiency produces a fibrous crop.

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation — Sugarcane grows well in tropical regions with rainfall well distributed throughout the year. This is because the sucrose content decreases if heavy rains continue for long and a rainfall deficiency produces a fibrous crop.

The yield from each successive ratoon crop is ............... than the previous one.

1. better
2. higher
3. lesser
4. same

Answer

lesser

Which of the following states is not a major producer of sugarcane?

1. Kerala
2. Punjab
3. Uttar Pradesh
4. Maharashtra

Answer

Kerala

Assertion (A): Sugarcane exhausts the fertility of the soil.

Reason (R): Sugarcane is a perennial crop.

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.

Explanation — Sugarcane exhausts the fertility of the soil because of its high nutrient demand, not because its a perennial crop. Hence, Reason (R) does not correctly explain Assertion (A).

Groundnut oil is extracted from the nuts found in the ............... of the plant.

1. stem
2. leaves
3. roots
4. branches

Answer

roots

Name the state that is the leading producer of groundnuts in India.

1. Telangana
2. Gujarat
3. Maharashtra
4. Rajasthan

Answer

Gujarat

Name the oil obtained from flaxseeds.

1. Linseed
2. Mustard
3. Castor
4. Safflower

Answer

Linseed

Assertion (A): The groundnut is a rabi crop in Odisha and in southern states.

Reason (R): Groundnuts require light to moderate rainfall between 50 to 100 cm.

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.

Explanation — The groundnut is a rabi crop in Odisha and in southern states as it thrives well in the tropical and subtropical climates there, not just because of moderate rainfall. Hence, Reason (R) does not correctly explain Assertion (A).

Soya bean : Kharif :: Mustard : ............... .

1. Kharif
2. Zaid
3. Rabi
4. None of the above

Answer

Rabi

............... is the leading producer of soya bean.

1. Rajasthan
2. Maharashtra
3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Gujarat

Answer

Madhya Pradesh

Soya bean is sown in the month of June and early onset of monsoon ruins the crop. Why?

1. Heavy rainfall has adverse effects on seed germination.
2. Heavy rainfall leads to rotting of seedlings.
3. Soya bean is a rainfed crop.
4. All of the above.

Answer

Heavy rainfall has adverse effects on seed germination.

Before sowing soya bean seeds are covered with jaggery and rhizobium. Why?

1. Jaggery acts as a binding agent for the nitrogen fixing bacteria and the seed.
2. Jaggery is rich in nutrients like iron and magnesium.
3. Jaggery is a natural soil conditioner.
4. All of the above.

Answer

All of the above.

Which of the following crops are grown together as they have same climatic requirements?

1. Mustard and Wheat
2. Sugarcane and Soya bean
3. Mustard and groundnuts
4. All of them.

Answer

Mustard and Wheat

Which is a soil exhausting crop with time-sensitive processing requirements?

1. Groundnut
2. Sugarcane
3. Soya bean
4. Mustard

Answer

Sugarcane

Name the crop that is a Kharif crop in most of India but a summer crop in Tamil Nadu.

1. Sugarcane
2. Groundnut
3. Soya bean
4. Mustard

Answer

Groundnut

Name one state in North and one in South India where sugarcane is grown extensively.

Answer

In North India, sugarcane is grown extensively in Uttar Pradesh and in South India, sugarcane is grown extensively in Tamil Nadu.

Why is the sugarcane production increasing in Maharashtra?

Answer

Sugarcane production is increasing in Maharashtra because Maharashtra has a longer harvesting season and better quality of crop owing to the favourable maritime climate free from the effects of summer loo and winter frost, sufficient irrigation and new farming techniques.

Explain briefly the Sett method of planting sugarcane.

Answer

In Sett method, new canes are usually planted by taking cuttings from the old plants. These cuttings, known as setts, quickly become established and after a few days buds sprout to form new stalks. Four to five stalks grow from each cutting. The sugarcane takes anything from 8 months to a year to mature.

What is Ratooning? State two advantages of Ratooning.

Answer

Ratooning is a method of cultivation of sugarcane. In this method, during the first harvest, the sugarcane is cut leaving a little bit of the stalk in the soil with the roots. The stalk soon puts out new shoots or ratoons. The second or any other successive crop obtained from the roots of the leftover crop is called ratoon.

Two advantages of ratooning are-

1. Crop need not be planted again, it saves labour.
2. The ratoon matures early.

How does heavy rainfall affect the quality of sugarcane?

Answer

Heavy rainfall affects the quality of sugarcane adversely as the sucrose content decreases if heavy rains continue for long.

Why does the cultivation of sugarcane require cheap labour?

Answer

The cultivation of sugarcane requires plenty of cheap labour as most of the work is done by hand. The crop is cut by hand using a long curved knife.

Why do the stalks of sugarcane need to be cut as near as possible to the ground?

Answer

The stalks of sugarcane need to be cut as near as possible to the ground because the greatest accumulation of sucrose is in the base of the stem.

State any three problems faced by sugarcane cultivators.

Answer

Three problems faced by sugarcane cultivators are-

1. Sugarcane is a soil exhausting crop and therefore, the cost of fertilizers increases the cost of production.
2. It requires high input of irrigation means.
3. The cost of transport increases the cost of production.

What extra care needs to be taken for soil health when sugarcane is cultivated?

Answer

Extra care needs to be taken for soil health when sugarcane is cultivated because sugarcane exhausts the fertility of the soil. Hence, the soil is supplemented with manures and nitrogenous fertilizers.

Mention the climate that is suitable for sugarcane cultivation.

Answer

The climate that is suitable for sugarcane cultivation is as follows-

1. Temperature — Sugarcane grows best in areas with 20°C to 26°C temperature. Frost is fatal for the crop. Short cool dry winter season during ripening and harvesting is ideal.
2. Rainfall — Sugarcane grows well in tropical regions with 100-150 cm of rainfall well distributed throughout the year. Irrigation is necessary in areas with lower rainfall or even in areas of higher rainfall during the long dry spells.

What advantage does South India have over the North with reference to sugarcane cultivation?

Answer

South India has a higher yield per hectare of sugarcane because of a longer harvesting season and better quality of crop owing to the favourable maritime climate free from the effects of summer loo and winter frost, sufficient irrigation and new farming techniques.

Mention two different ways in which sugarcane is propagated.

Answer

Two different ways in which sugarcane is propagated are-

1. Sett method
2. Ratooning

What conditions of temperature and rainfall favour the growth of groundnut?

Answer

The climatic conditions that favour the growth of groundnut are-

1. Temperature — Groundnut requires about 20°C to 25°C temperature. Dry weather is needed during the time of ripening.
2. Rainfall — It requires light to moderate rainfall between 50 to 100 cm. Rainfall should be well distributed.

Which two states in India are the leading producers of groundnut? Why is groundnut mostly grown in Peninsular India?

Answer

Gujarat and Tamil Nadu in India are the leading producers of groundnut.

Groundnut is mostly grown in Peninsular India because the red, yellow and black cotton soils of Peninsular India suit it well. Such light soils are essential as the nut ripens in the soil.

Give three uses of groundnut.

Answer

Three uses of groundnut are-

1. It is used for the manufacture of hydrogenated oil.
2. It is used for making margarine, medical emulsions and soap.
3. Groundnut oil is used as a cooking medium and the nuts are eaten raw, roasted, salted or sweetened.

What is the residue after crushing oilseeds called? Give two of its uses.

Answer

The residue after crushing oilseeds is called oilcake.

Oilcake is used as a fodder for animals and also serves a good manure in the fields.

Name any two oilseeds grown in India. Which oilseed is grown as a rainfed crop?

Answer

Two oilseeds grown in India are groundnut and linseed.

Groundnut is grown as a rainfed crop.

State the conditions of temperature and rainfall necessary for the growth of mustard.

Answer

The climatic conditions necessary for the growth of mustard are-

1. Temperature — Mustard grows best in cool climate. Ideal temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C.
2. Rainfall — The crop requires rainfall varying between 25 to 40 cm.

(i) Which soil type favours the growth of mustard? Name an area where it grows.

(ii) Mention two uses of mustard.

Answer

(i) Mustard can be grown on loams but slightly heavier soils are preferred.

Mustard is widely grown in the Sutlej-Ganga plain.

(ii) Two uses of mustard are-

1. Its seeds are crushed for edible oil.
2. The oilcake of mustard is an important cattle feed.

Mention the climatic conditions necessary to grow soya bean. State two uses of soya bean.

Answer

The climatic conditions necessary to grow soya bean are-

1. Temperature — Soyabean requires temperature in the range of 13°C to 24°C. Temperature above 13°C is necessary for the normal growth of soyabean.
2. Rainfall — It grows in regions with 40 cm to 60 cm rainfall. The rainfall should be well distributed throughout the growing season.

Two uses of Soyabean are-

1. It is eaten as vegetable or made into soya sauce.
2. Due to its high protein content, it is consumed as soya milk or tofu (cheese) as a substitute for animal protein.

The floods in Maharashtra in August-September 2019 submerged sugarcane fields for over 20 days. How did this affect farmers?

Answer

The floods in Maharashtra in August–September 2019 had a severe impact on sugarcane farmers.

1. Crop Destruction: Sugarcane fields submerged for over 20 days led to waterlogging, which caused rotting of roots and crop damage, especially since sugarcane cannot withstand prolonged standing water.
2. Loss of Income: Sugarcane is a high-investment, long-duration crop (typically 10-12 months). Its destruction meant that farmers lost both their money and time invested over many months.
3. Delayed Harvest and Processing Issues: Flooded fields delayed harvest and reduced sucrose content, affecting both yield quality and recovery rate during sugar processing.
4. Soil Health Deterioration: Prolonged flooding led to soil nutrient loss and soil compaction, affecting future crops too.
5. Debt Burden: Many farmers took loans for fertilizers, irrigation, and labour. Crop loss increased their financial distress and indebtedness.

Savinder, a farmer in Punjab, has asked you, a student of geography, to advise him on ratooning. What would you say?

Answer

In the method of Ratooning, during the first harvest, sugarcane is cut leaving a little bit of the stalk in the soil with roots. The stalk soon puts out new shoots or ratoons. The second or any other successive crop obtained from the roots of the leftover crop is called Ratoon. Sugarcane is a perennial crop and, in theory, the same plants could continue to produce canes for many years. However, the yield from each successive ratoon crop is lesser than the previous one. After two or three ratoons, the old roots are no longer economical and new setts must be planted.

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Frost is fatal for the sugarcane crop.

(ii) A 40-45 cm distance between two saplings of sugarcane is maintained.

(iii) The Sutlej-Ganga plains are the traditional growers of sugarcane.

Answer

(i) Frost is fatal for the sugarcane crop. This is because Sugarcane is a tropical crop. It grows well in warm climate, and being exposed to excessive cold temperatures or frost can lead to degradation in its sucrose content.

(ii) A 40-45 cm distance between two saplings of sugarcane is maintained to facilitate hoeing, weeding, irrigation and harvesting.

(iii) This is because of the fertile alluvium which is renewed every year by numerous mountain streams flowing in this area, sufficiently high temperatures and rainfall, and availability of high water level enabling easy irrigation.

(i) Give two reasons why sugarcane is harvested before winter sets in.

(ii) Why are the sugarcane stocks cut as close to the ground as possible?

Answer

(i) Sugarcane is harvested before winter to avoid frost damage and ensure optimal sugar content, as frost can significantly reduce both yield and sugar recovery

(ii) The stalks must be cut as near as possible to the ground because the greatest accumulation of sucrose is in the base of the stem.

Imagine you are a farmer living in Bihar and you want to grow a cash crop on your farm. Which one you will choose and why?

Answer

As a farmer living in Bihar, if I were to choose a cash crop for my farm, I would select mustard because of the following reasons:

1. Agro-climatic Suitability — Mustard is well-suited to the agro-climatic conditions of Bihar, including its diverse climate with hot summers and cold winters.
2. Market Demand — Mustard oil extracted from mustard seeds is widely used for cooking purposes, ensuring a consistent market demand and potential profitability.
3. Crop Rotation Benefits — Mustard fits well into crop rotation systems, helping suppress weeds, pests, and diseases.
4. Diversification — Cultivating mustard allows for diversification of income sources on the farm, reducing dependence on a single crop and mitigating risks associated with market fluctuations.

You live in Uttar Pradesh and your cousin lives in Karnataka. Tell the benefits of an edible oil seed grown in your state and get the information about an oilseed that is extensively grown in your cousin's state.

Answer

As a resident of Uttar Pradesh, one of the significant oilseeds grown in the state is mustard. Mustard cultivation offers several benefits:

1. Multiple Uses — Mustard oil extracted from mustard seeds is commonly used for cooking purposes in many households. Additionally, mustard seeds are used in pickles, condiments, and spice blends, adding flavour to various dishes.
2. Nutritional Value — Mustard seeds are rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to a healthy diet.
3. Adaptability — Mustard is a versatile crop that can be grown in various agro-climatic conditions.
4. Crop Rotation Benefits — Mustard is an excellent choice for crop rotation due to its ability to suppress weeds and diseases.
5. Income Generation — Mustard farming can generate income for farmers due to consistent market demand.

In Karnataka, one extensively grown oilseed is Groundnut. Some of the important information regarding Groundnut cultivation include:

1. Climate conditions — Groundnut is a tropical crop. It thrives well in the tropical and subtropical climates and is highly susceptible to frost.
2. Temperature — Groundnut requires about 20°C to 25°C temperature. Dry weather is needed during the time of ripening.
3. Rainfall — Groundnuts require well-distributed, light to moderate rainfall between 50 to 100 cm. Prolonged drought, continuous rains, stagnant water and frost harm the crop adversely.
4. Soil type — Sandy loams, loams and well-drained black soils, which allow enough of aeration, are considered suitable for groundnut cultivation. The red, yellow and black cotton soils of Peninsular India suit it well. Such light soils are essential as the nut ripens in the soil.
5. Multiple Uses — It is used in making hydrogenated oil, margarine, medical emulsions and soap. Groundnut oil is used as a cooking medium, its oil cake is used as cattle feed. The nuts are eaten raw, roasted, salted or sweetened.

Dia has purchased agricultural land in Madhya Pradesh. She wants to cultivate an oilseed in her farm. Which oilseed, in your opinion, should she cultivate? Prepare a feasibility report supporting your opinion.

Answer

Dia should consider cultivating Soyabean as her oilseed crop in Madhya Pradesh.

Feasibility Report for Soyabean Cultivation in Madhya Pradesh

1. Climate and Temperature: Madhya Pradesh has a tropical to subtropical climate with a warm growing season. Soyabean thrives in such conditions, as it requires a warm environment with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 24°C.
2. Rainfall Pattern: Soyabean grows in regions with 40cm to 60cm of rainfall. Madhya Pradesh receives a moderate and well-distributed monsoon, which is ideal for soyabean crop.
3. Soil Type: Soyabean grows well in a variety of soils, including the alluvial and black soils found in Madhya Pradesh. These soils have good drainage and sufficient fertility, which support the healthy growth of soyabean plants.
4. Market Demand: Soyabean is a major oilseed crop in India and contributes significantly to the edible oil and animal feed industries. There is a robust domestic and export market for soyabean oil.
5. Profitability: With established cultivation practices and improved seed varieties, soyabean offers a favorable yield-to-investment ratio, contributing to better farm incomes.
6. Alternative to water-intensive crops: As an oilseed crop, soyabean provides farmers with an alternative to water-intensive crops like rice, reducing the pressure on groundwater resources, a significant concern in central India.